Ivan Melendez earns National Player of the Week
AUSTIN, Texas — For the fifth time in his college career and fourth time this season, redshirt junior first baseman #17 Ivan Melendez from El Paso, Texas is recognized by the Big 12 Conference as the Player of the Week.
It was announced on May 10 (TUE) that Ivan Melendez has been named NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy National Player of the Week and Perfect Game National Player of the Week.
In March, Melendez was also named 2022 Dick Howser Trophy National Player of the Month.
About the Dick Howser Trophy
The Dick Howser Trophy is a national sponsorship that was created on behalf of Dick Howser to promote baseball excellence and scholastic achievement for collegiate baseball. Education is one of the country's biggest concerns and through sports will bring an enhanced national focus. As the baseball equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, the Dick Howser Trophy is the annual national award for the outstanding collegiate baseball player. The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) votes for the recipient based on nominees' performance, character, leadership and courage – all features to be emulated in memory of the late Dick Howser.
Melendez is on a 16 game hitting streak that leads the Big 12 Conference after hitting .571 with three home runs and nine RBIs to earn the recognition. The three home runs were against West Virginia in a doubleheader hitting two HRs in game one and the third in game two. Melendez has 25 home runs on the season.
So far, Melendez has been at the plate 182 times in 49 games that produced 58 runs, 77 hits (25 HRs, two triples, 15 doubles, and 75 RBIs), walked 43 times, and only 39 strike outs giving him a batting average of .423 with five regular seasons left that all will be played at home at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
Melendez is currently ranked #1 in the NCAA with 25 home and fourth for batting average.
Fans can watch Ivan and Texas Baseball finish out their regular season five more times as the host Texas Southern, Sam Houston, and Kansas.
Photos by Jose Mendez / Horns Illustrated and Texas Athletics
